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Verne Troyer - best known for playing Mini Me in the Austin Powers series - had an enviably successful career, with roles in a string of Hollywood blockbusters, from Men in Black to the first Harry Pottermovie.

But when the actor died last week, aged 49, his representatives released a statement hinting at his deep-set unhappiness. “Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much,” it said. “Depression and suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside.”

Troyer often spoke about his difficult relationship with drinking; coroners confirmed that he had “a very...